Play-calling in football is a race against time

By Jared Ainsworth,By Yyyyyyyyyy Yyyyyyyy

Published 5:04 pm, Friday, September 7, 2012

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Broom 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Broom 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 5 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 13 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 14 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 19 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Image 20 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 21 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 22 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

Image 23 of 36

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less

Ozen High School met West Brook High School in the football season opener Friday August 31, 2012 at the Carrol A "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center. At the half, Ozen was leading West Brook 13-7. Dave ... more

Photo: Dave Ryan

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PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

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PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 26 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 27 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 28 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 29 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 30 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 31 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

Image 32 of 36

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

PNG Indians play calling method against the Silsbee Tigers at Silsbee High School on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Photo taken:
Randy Edwards/The Enterprise

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Vidor took to the school's practice field Monday morning to kick start the 2012 season. The Pirates first game will be at home against Santa Fe on August 31.
Photo taken Monday, August 06, 2012
Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise less

Vidor took to the school's practice field Monday morning to kick start the 2012 season. The Pirates first game will be at home against Santa Fe on August 31.
Photo taken Monday, August 06, 2012
Guiseppe ... more

Photo: Guiseppe Barranco, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Vidor took to the school's practice field Monday morning to kick start the 2012 season. The Pirates first game will be at home against Santa Fe on August 31.
Photo taken Monday, August 06, 2012
Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise less

Vidor took to the school's practice field Monday morning to kick start the 2012 season. The Pirates first game will be at home against Santa Fe on August 31.
Photo taken Monday, August 06, 2012
Guiseppe ... more

Photo: Guiseppe Barranco, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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A Central coach talks to players before a play during the Aug. 31 game at Memorial Stadium in Port Arthur.

A Central coach talks to players before a play during the Aug. 31 game at Memorial Stadium in Port Arthur.

Photo: Matt Billiot

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Play-calling in football is a race against time

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Seconds vanished quickly as a West Brook wide receiver sprinted from one sideline to the other.

With a steady flow of communication circulating from the sideline to the press box and to the players on the field, a lot happens during the 25-second play clock in high school football games.

One West Brook football coach had just used hand motions to signal the play to West Brook players on the field last Friday against Ozen at the Beaumont ISD Thomas Center.

Another coach had signaled a fake play - an attempt to throw off Ozen coaches who stood on the opposite sideline.

The receiver, who hastily found his spot near the sideline, had accidentally read the wrong coach's signal.

"Once you get the signal a couple people might not get lined up in the right place," West Brook junior quarterback Devin Padia said. "You have to get it set up, and by then it's taken away from the point of it. There were a couple of times when a couple people, I had to move them from the right spot."

Three seconds.

That's the amount of time West Brook head coach Kevin Flanigan wants to come off the play clock when his team snaps the ball.

It varies from team to team. Central and Vidor, for instance, usually let more than 20 seconds run off the clock before running a play. They leave only two or three seconds on the clock.

The play clock begins when an official places the ball on the field.

In West Brook's quick-paced, no-huddle offense, Flanigan, who is in his first season with the Bruins, is quickly calling both a formation and a play from his spot on the sideline. After talking into his headset, one of his assistant coaches signals the formation and play to the players while another coach signals a dummy play.

The coaches calling those signals can change from week to week - or even from quarter to quarter or series to series.

West Brook's players, meanwhile, constantly run to the football at the end of each play.

"You always have to look to the sideline to get the play," junior offensive lineman Marquise Brown said. "You always have to be set. You always have to be looking for the signal."

Vidor coach Jeff Mathews has tried deciphering signals from coaches at District 20-4A rival Port Neches-Groves, a team that runs a similar no-huddle offense to West Brook.

But that has been tougher than a guessing game.

"Last year I was able to scout them at a game and I was looking and trying to figure it out," Mathews said. "I couldn't come close to figuring it out."

Much more time elapses when Vidor sets up its offense.

Offensive coordinator Dwayne Dubois usually knows what he wants to do two or three plays before he gets there. One the time arrives, Mathews communicates from the sideline to Dubois, who is in the press box. Dubois then tells the play to assistant coach David Wallace on the sideline. And Wallace communicates the play to a wide receiver, who runs the play to the huddle on the field.

"We try to make the game shorter and keep the opponent's defense on the field," Mathews said. "We'll use all 25 seconds every time. If we can go two plays a minute, if you have an eight-minute drive you've taken four minutes off the clock. We try to milk the clock for everything we can."

Mathews likes to have the play to the huddle before the play clock reaches 15 seconds.

Central runs a similar pace. Plays are organized by numbers on quarterback Robert Mitchell's wrist band. And a receiver relays the play from offensive coordinator Tony Cox to Mitchell. The Jaguars tried signaling plays at the beginning of last week's 23-20 loss to Port Arthur Memorial. But the first few plays were run incorrectly, leading to the slower pace of sending a receiver to Mitchell in the huddle.

During every offensive play at Vidor, Mathews and assistant coach Dan Welch watch both team's lines from the sideline. Dubois watches the ball. Another assistant coach, R.C. Wilson, keeps an eye on play-side blocking from his spot in the press box. And Jeremy Gray watches defensive backs.

All of what they see can quickly alter a play call.

"Each of us has our own assignment that we're watching," Mathews said. "If the linebacker floats we'll come back and run a certain play. If linebackers are reading guards we'll come back and do something off of that."

West Brook players and coaches, meanwhile, say the team is beginning to catch on to the fast-paced play-calling. The Bruins scored 22 of their 29 points in the second half after running three plays before having to punt on their first three possessions of the game.

Padia remembers the first day of practice being tough as he tried transferring the signals to his teammates and getting them lined up correctly.

That frustration has faded.

"There were a couple times when we'd pick up a first down and get it real fast and (the Panthers) weren't even set," Padia said. "They were looking at their sideline when we snapped the ball. It was working."